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Rain, high water, flooding hamper outdoor businesses

Central Penn Business Journal (PA)

But the company lost more than a wooden structure during the unusually wet summer of 2018.

It had to suspend guided trips and close its rental operations so frequently, the company lost roughly a month’s worth of business, said Ben Miller, president of Cocoa Kayak, which is based in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County. Last year, Cocoa Kayak’s staff of seven served roughly 2,000 visitors.

“This year, with all of the rainfall, it has been a challenge to make sure we were on the side of safety,” Miller said. “But that’s the challenge of an outdoor business.”

Though flooding isn’t new to the area, the summer’s higher-than-normal water levels forced many homes and businesses near Swatara Creek to close or evacuate. During one storm in July alone, water levels reached 17 feet, which according to the National Weather Service is the second-highest recorded level since October 1975. Water levels in the Swatara are usually around two feet.

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Heavy rain closes Hersheypark, KnoebelsFounded in 2014, Cocoa Kayak provides kayak rentals and guided tours at designated locations at water-trail access points on the Swatara as well as other area waterways. It also offers a shuttle service for people who own their own kayaks.

The deck that it lost was at its East Hanover base. The structure sits on an embankment above the launch dock and serves as an observation point, so that customers can get an idea of what to expect on the creek.

Though Cocoa Kayak’s property is still saturated and muddy from the flooding, the deck was the only piece of equipment that sustained damage. With the help of family and friends, the company rebuilt the deck over the weekend of Sept. 22 and 23.While the record-breaking flooding is surprising, it isn’t shocking, said Miller.

“As an outfitter working in nature, we know that flooding will happen. We have to be prepared,” he said.

But flooding isn’t the only weather that Cocoa Kayak is prepared for.

Some days may be too windy or have less daylight than others, so Cocoa Kayak must be flexible. Through an online booking system, the company can quickly reach customers in the event that weather forces a cancellation or modification to their reservations.

Swatara Creek typically has no rapids, Miller said. But when the water rises to four feet, Cocoa Kayak closes its rental offerings and tours. Most of the company’s renters are beginners, Miller said. Before a tour, the company also scouts the creek to ensure there are no unsafe obstacles.

Monitoring water levels and the weather is a must for businesses in the river tourism industry, because those who don’t may find themselves up the creek without a paddle.

Along the Susquehanna River, businesses keep an eye on the rate of water flow at Safe Harbor Dam in Conestoga Township, Lancaster County. The flow is measured in cubic feet per second.

During normal summer conditions, the rate averages between 15,000 and 30,000 cubic feet per second. Higher the flow rate means faster-moving water, which means a boat will be harder to control.

During the rainiest week over the summer, flow rates near Shank’s Mare Outfitters were just shy of 400,000 cubic feet, said Devin Winand, a sales representative and tour guide for Shank’s Mare. The store in Lower Windsor Township, York County, sells and rents outdoor gear.

That is why rentals were not available on days that were otherwise clear and sunny, Winand said.

River banks aren’t the only areas of concern, however.

With this year’s rainy weather, many communities have experiencing flooding in areas that have not been highly exposed in the past, said Andrew Enders, vice president and general counsel at Enders Insurance Associates, a brokerage in Lower Paxton Township.

“I fear that we live in an environment in which more properties are in danger - it’s a when, not an if,” said Enders. “As a result, it’s prudent to consider what level of risk tolerance your business has to endure another flood loss.”

Businesses should also be aware that flood insurance only covers water damage caused by weather or other external forces, like a swimming pool, said Dave Chiaverini, a business insurance executive with Springettsbury Township-based McConkey Insurance & Benefits. Flooding is a peril that is typically excluded from commercial property policies.

And flooding does not occur only in areas deemed to be flood zones. Flood zones are everywhere and are rated by the likelihood of the occurrence of a flood. Enders suggests property owners review financing requirements, like a mortgage, before determining whether they need flood insurance.

The determination has become increasingly challenging though, because there has been an increasing number of non-traditional flood losses, said Enders.